Premier says quarantine policy will keep locals safe from Vic spike

As New South Wales’s Premier calls for Victorians to stay at home, Premier Peter Gutwein has a different take on things thanks to Tassie’s COVID-19 policies.

PREMIER Peter Gutwein says ongoing border restrictions including the still mandatory two-week quarantine system mean he does not have to issue advice to deter Tasmanians from travelling to Victoria, like his NSW counterpart.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian this week told NSW residents to steer clear of Melbourne as Victoria’s fresh coronavirus spike continues.

RELATED NEWS:

• Trans-Tasman travel bubble push weakens
• Bold pursuit’: Calls for Govt to cash in on flights
• Angry patrons abusing bar, restaurant staff

Ms Berejiklian said the continuing infection rate was a wake up call and advices NSW residentd to not travel to the six hit spots identified by Victorian health authorities.

At the same time, South Australia’s border with Victoria will be bolstered with a stronger police presence from next week.

There will also be more checkpoints and a pre-approval process for incoming travellers from Victoria will be introduced.

As of June 23, Victoria still had 1864 active cases of the virus including 17 new infections and the government has extended the State of Emergency until July 19.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the situation in Victoria was concerning.

“I can understand why NSW have issued this advice as unlike Tasmania they do not have border protections in place such as a mandatory two-week self-isolation period upon return to their state which Tasmania has,” Mr Gutwein said.

“We have committed to providing a border update this Friday and it is very important we remain cognisant of situations occurring in other states and continue to make decisions that best protect Tasmanians.”